Vertically and tiltably movable x-ray table



Dec. 19,, 1150 F. A. PITTS EI'AL 2,534,623

VERTICALLY 'AND TILTABLY MOVABLE x-RAY TABLE Filed Aug. l2, 1946 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 T K36 MIT] INVENTORS 33 $4M. q.

Dec. 19, 1950 IF. A. PlTTS EE'AL VERTICALLY AND TILTABLY, MOVABLE X-RAY TABLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 12, 1946 INVENTOR & a

9W ATTORNEYS De zu 119 1950 F. A. Pm's ETAL VERTICALLY AND TILTABLY MOVABLE X.-RAY TABLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 12, 1946- INVENTOR.5

BY Ld dz fiy ATTORNEYS Dem 19,, 1950 F. A. Pm's ET AL VERTICALLY AND TILTABLY MOVABLE X-RAY TABLE Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 12, 194.6

f INVENTORQZZ B W M 9 ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 19, 1950 VERTICALLY AND TILTABLY MOVABLE X-RAY TABLE Franklin A. Pitts, Covington, and Walter H.

Haupt, Ludlow, Ky., assignors to The Kelley- Koett Manufacturing Company,

Covington,

Ky., a corporation of Ohio Application August 12, 1946, Serial No. 689,898'

19 Claims.

This invention relates to tables for X-ray examination purposes.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide an X-ray table which can be quickly and easily tilted to any desired angular position from the vertical through the horizontal. and into a wid range of Trendelenburg positions without increasing the height of the table from the floor when in horizontal position.

Another object is to provide a tiltable X-ray table which does not require counter weights for balance, and which can accordingly be of stronger and more rigid construction than in previous tiltable fluoroscopic tables without an overall increase in weight.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a tiltable X-ray table which is so constructed and mounted that the area available for fiuoroscopy is substantially longer and wider than in previous tables but without increasing the over-all dimensions of the tabl or the floor space occupied thereby.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tiltable X-ray table which is supported for tilting movement about a horizontal axis wherein this tilting axis of the table is movable in a vertical plane during tilting movement of the table, being raised when the table tilts in either direction from the horizontal and lowered when. the table tilts toward the horizontal.

A still further object is to provide an X-ray table having an improved top construction adapted for the ready securing thereto of attachments such as head and foot rests without the use of slots, studs or like irregularities on the top sur-- face such as might tear the clothing or skin of a patient.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and in which like characters of reference designate like parts throughout- Fig. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating a tiltable X-ray table constructed in accordance with the invention and shown in horizontal position;

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the foot end of the table shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the table shown in Fig. 1, with the table tilted to a 40 Trendelenburg position;

Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 3 showing the table tilted to vertical position;

Fig. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic view in front elevation illustrating the course followed by points on the table in tilting from the horizontal to the positions shown in Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view taken approximatelyon the line Ei6 in Fig. 2' showing the inside-of the rear leg of the table;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view in vertical section through the front leg and adjacent portion of the table, the view'being taken approximately on the line l'i in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a detailed view in transverse sectionthrough the top edges of the table showing one means for mounting an attachment such as a head rest in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing another form of attachment in accordance with the invention;

I Fig. 10 is a detail view of the attaching mech-' anism shown in Fig. 9, the view being taken approximately on the line ill-H1 in Fig. 9; and

Fig. 11 is a detail view of a portion of the attaching mechanism shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

The present invention provides a tiltable X-ray table mounted for tilting movement about a sinposition is no higher than the'conventional table height for convenient use by an examining physi' cian. This result is accomplished in accordance with the invention by raising-the tilting axis as the table tilts in either direction from the hori" zontal.

Also, the invention makes it possible to pivot the table substantially on its center of gravity,' thus not only reducin the force necessary to bring about the desired tilting movement but also permitting the elimination of counterweights.

Another result of the invention is to increase" the effective surface area of the table top with" out increasing its overall dimensions as compared with previous tiltable X-ray tables, and the invention provides also for similarly increasing the depth of the table without impeding its tilting operation, thus permitting the X-ray tube tobe' spaced farther from the table top, which is a highly desirable operational feature since it permits the use of X-rays of higher power without danger to the patient and thus makes for clearer vision during fiuoroscopy and for clearer X-r-aypictures when the table is used for radiography.

Also since the image-forming rays diverge to a lesser extent when the tube is farther from the table top, there is improved freedom from distortion of the image.

In accordance with the invention, the slots,

studs or other-irregularities conventionally pro-- vided along the edges of the table top for mounting attachments such as head and foot restsmay be eliminated,v and provision for such attachments is made along the edges of the table;

At the same time, the table of the invention when in the horizontal below its working top, thus further increasing the useful surface area and also insuring against injury to the skin or clothing of a patient or like undesirable results. Also, this provides a smooth and easily cleaned top surface for the table and eliminates the possibility of unsanitary conditions arising from notches or slots in the table top.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the fluoroscopic table is provided with a top panel 20 of Bakelite or other satisfactory material suitably permeable to X-rays, and the head and foot ends of the table are designated generally by the reference characters 22 and 23 respectively. A cable 24 is' shown as leading from head end 22 to a suitable source of electric power for the X-ray tube within the table. A fluoroscopic screen indicated generally by the reference character 25, and which may by of conventional construction, is shown as attached to the table by a suitable mounting mechanism 26 providing for free adjustment of the screen vertically and laterally of the table and for free swiveling movement, and also preferably permitting the screen to be swung out of line with the table to allow free access by a patient to the table top.

The supporting base for the table is shown as comprising a front leg 30 and rear leg 3| of generally complementary construction secured together by means of connecting rods 32 and nuts 33. As shown in detail in Fig. 6, the interior of each table leg is provided with reinforcing ribs 34 and reinforcing bosses 35 which receive the connectin rods 32. The table is pivotally secured to the upper end of each of a pair of slide members 40, one of which is mounted for vertical sliding movement in each of legs 30 and 3| by means of U-shaped bearing members M of brass or other suitable material bolted or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the table leg. As shown, each of slide members 40 has a stud bolt 42 at its upper end which fastens directly to an upper portion 43 of the frame of the table, spacer sleeves 44 being provided to maintain the table in properly spaced relation from the slide.

members. Bolts 42 are so connected to the table that their axes 45 will coincide and will pass through approximately the center of gravity of the table, thus providing for tilting movement of the table with minimum effort and eliminating the necessity for counterweights such as must be used in the case of fluoroscopic tables mounted for tilting movement about an axis removed from the center of gravity.

The mechanism for imparting tilting movement to the table includes a pair of substantially identical gear tracks 50, one for each side of the table, which are roughly L-shaped in crosssection, as shown in Fig. 7, and include an outer toothed portion 51 and a smooth track portion 52. Each of these tracks 50 may be bolted or otherwise secured to a reinforcing plate or panel 53 which is in turn bolted, riveted or otherwise secured to the side of the table and frame portions 43, thus providing a simple but strong construction without materially affecting the overall weight or width of the table. As is shown particularly in Fig. 5, each of tracks 50 has an arcuate outline resembling the letter W and is composed of three segments of circles each having its center spaced longitudinally of the table from the pivotal axis 45. The two outer se ments are shown as being of the same radius and with their respective centers 55 and 56 lying in a plane which is parallel to the table top 20 and spaced between the table top and the track and slightly above pivot axis 45. The intermediate segment is of substantially shorter radius than the outer segments and is curved in the opposite direction, with its center 51 lying substantially below the table top.

A motor 60 for actuating the tilting mechanism of the table is shown as positioned adjacent the rear table leg 3|, where it will be out of the way of a physician standing in front of the table, and is secured in driving connection with a shaft 6| which extends across to front leg 30. Satisfactory results have been obtained by utilizing as motor 50 a gear head electric motor, and in order to facilitate tilting during observation of a patient-as is desirable under some conditions such as in connection with spinal injections-suitable switch controls for the motor may be provided at a plurality of convenient locations such, for example, as at 58 on the front table leg and at 59 on the frame of fluorescent screen 25. Also, these switches will preferably be so constructed and connected that they may be actuated to cause the motor to drive in either direction at the will of the examining physician, and the motor should be provided with automatic braking means effective to prevent its rotation in either direction except when power is applied.

The drive shaft 6| carries a pair of drive gears 62, one adjacent each table leg, which are in driving connection through a gear train 63 and E i with a driven gear 65. Gear 65 is keyed to a bushing 66 journaled on a stud member 61 supported by the table leg as shown in Fig. 7. This gearing is duplicated at the front and back of the table, thus providing for balanced support of the table and balanced drive for tilting movement, and the studs 61 serve in use to support most of the weight of the table. They are accordingly made of appropriate thickness and strength, and each is provided, as shown, with a suitable supporting boss 68 formed on the table legs. Gears 63 and 64 may be rotatably supported on similar studs or bolts mounted in similar bosses 69 on the table leg 7 A gear 70, which may be of the same diameter and number of teeth as gear 65, is keyed to bushing 66 for rotation with gear 55, the bushing thus serving to transmit directly to gear 10 the driving force from drive gears 62 and the motor 50. This gear I0 meshes with the teeth 5| on track 50, and a relatively large ball bearing H is mounted on stud 61 adjacent gear 10 and is adapted to engage and support the smooth portion 52 of track 50 and thus to take the main weight of the table 01f gears 10 to avoid undue load on the gear teeth 5! and the teeth of gears 10. A crank arm 12 is journaled on each bushing 56 and has pivotally secured to its outer end a roller or bearing 13 adapted to engage and ride on the upper edge of each track 50. Roller I3 is shown as secured to arm 12 by means of a bolt 14, and the radius of roller 13 and the distance between its axis and the axis of stud 61 are so chosen that gear '10 will at all times be held in meshed relation with the teeth 51 on track 50 in all angular positions of the table. A spacer I5 is shown in between gear 65 and crank 12, which may be a separate washer or a collar formed on gear 65. During tilting motion of the table, as described hereinafter, these arms 12 will oscillate about the studs 61 to follow tracks 50 as they tilt and insure proper driving of the table. The off-set construction of gears ID with respect tdthe' remainder ofthe gearin-g is to provide clearance for tracks 50 since there might otherwise be contact between the tracks and the gear train it the latter were in the same plane as the tracks; In Fig. 1, this operating mechanism is shown-as conceal-ed 'by'a shield H, but this shield is oni'itted in the other views for greater clarity.

The "operation of the above mechanism for tilting the table is illustrated particularly in Figs. 3 to 5. The'us'u'al' position of the table for purposes of general examination is horizontal, and 'in t'his position the gears ill are in engagement with the=-intermediate segments of the gear tracks 50, as shown in Fig. 5, with slide members and the pivotal axis 45 of the table at their lowest positions 'with' respect to the table legs. The-only part of this system which remains fixed with relation to the legs in all positions of the table'is the axis of rotation of gears it, which is the-axis of studs 61. All other portions of the table change their position in space with respect to-th'e table legs as the table tilts, the pivotal axis HFr-ising 'verticallywith slide members id, and some other parts of the table pivoting about this axis--45. Also, since the axis of gears it is spaced laterally from and below table axis 35, and since the table axis is selected to coincide with the center of gravity of the table, as described, the reacting iorce'exerted by studs 6! must be such that its vertical component is the weight of the table and its-horizontal component is opposed by "the reaction on table axis 45 exerted by the slide members -40 and the guide bearings When it is desired to tilt the table from horizontal to the vertical or an intermediate an gular position motor 60 is actuated to rotate ShaitB- 'I and gears 62 clockwise as viewed in Fig. Sfwhich will cause gears "18' to rotate counterclockwise and to apply a torque to gear tracks 54. This torque will be translated into motion of the gear tracks and hence of the table itself, and since-the table axis is limited to vertical movement and by reason of the arcuate shape of each gear segment adjacent the foot end of the table, the table will ride'u-p with this gear segment. At the ssaane time, the torque applied to the segments-will be translated into vertical movement of table axis' 45-a'nd the slide members cc, but "since-the gear tracks are held in contact with gears 19 through the action of crank arms E2 and-rollers T 3,the table will be forced to tilt about its axis 45 towards the vertical position shown in Fig.4." If the position of axis 45 is so chosen that its distance from the foot end of the table is less 'thanthe sum of its height from the floor when the table ishorizontal plus its vertical travel as described, the table can swing through a -coinpiete quarter 'circle to "a 90 vertical position and this position is shown in full lines in Fig. 4 and isindicated in dottedlines in Fig. 5.

'Tiltingof'the table to a Trendelenburg position "is accomplished by reversing the direction of rotation of motor 69 and gears it, and the action is substantially the converse of the tilting pperationjust described. During the return movement of the table from the vertical to the liorizontal position, the tracks 50 will move in the "direction-of the foot end of the table and the table ax is=4'5 willdescend to its'position shown inFig; 5. Thereafter the gear segments of tracks-U adjacent the hea'dend of the table will =come-into-=engagement with gears iii, and the tablvwill' becaused to ride up again with axis ii and slidemembers 411 "and at the same time ta stilt intoa Tizendelenburg position. If the position of table axis'45 ischosen'as-describeti" in connection with the movement to a-vertica'l position, the illustrated construction permitsthtable to tilt through a range of Trendelenburg positions as high as about 40 without danger of the head end of the table striking the floor. Also, even with this considerable increase in the range of available Trendelenburg positionsoverconventional tiltable tables, the above construc tion permits deepening the table sufficiently to position the tube within the table as far as 16 inches from the table top, which'as already noted provides for the use of X-rays of'higherpower to give clearer fluoroscopic and radiogra'phic images without danger to the patient, andit also provides adequate clearance within the table for a high voltage tube. I

The above motions of the table will be readily visualized by reference to Fig. 5, which 'illus-- trates a series of positions occupied by the endsof the table during its full tilting movement'between the limit positions shown in Figs. '3 and 4; Fig. 5 clearly shows that with the exceptionof table axis 45, which follows a straight vertical path, all other points on the table follow curving paths of different shapes. For example, the points A and B at the head and foot ends of the table follow more or less complementary paths of a shape resembling an involute curve. The point C, which is a point at the top of the table from which a normal to the table top will pass through table axis 45, follows a curve com posed of two seemingly unrelated sections. The paths followed by other points may readily be plotted by reference to the paths'of the two ends of the table. It should also be noted that the supporting axis of the table-i. e., the axis which in any given position of the table coincides with the axis of gears l'flmay be considered as having relative movement with respect to the table. along a path corresponding with the 'shape'flof' tracks 50.

The invention provides for readily stopping the table in any desired angular position intermediate its limit positions shown in Figs. 3 and a by simply shutting off motor 50,'themot.or'brake being automatically "applied as soon as the motor is stopped. In order to facilitate selection 'of'a particular angular position, a "scale may be secured to the front of the table, as shownin Fig. l, and a cooperating pointer 8| suitably fixed to the front slide member 46 to indicate the angular movement of the table with respect to the horizontal. Switch means may also "be provided for automatically stopping the table at its limit positions and also at the horizontalposition, the'latter being useful to relieve the examining physician from having to use scale'80to determine when the table is precisely horizontal. Satisfactory results have been obtained utilizing micro-switches for this purpose, and Fig. 5 illustrates diagrammatically a "suitable positioning of these switches.

As shown, three such switches are indicated at SE2, 9! and 92, and they may be suitably *secured, for example, to the rear table leg 31 and connected in the circuits to motor 60. Switch St is provided with a cooperating pin 'or contact member 95 carried by-the table, and their relative positionings are so calculated that this pin 95 will contact switch to shut off motor60 when ever the table reaches a precise horizontal position from either a Trendelenburg position or "a vertical position. If it is desired then-to continue the tilting movement beyond "the horizontal, the main control switches for the motor may be actuated to start the motor again. Switch 9| is set to stop tilting motion of the table when it reaches its maximum Trendelenburg position, and a pin or contact member 96 is secured to the table in such position that it will come into contact with the switch when the table reaches the limiting Trendelenburg position as shown in Fig. 3. Switch 92 is designed to stop tilting motion of the table when it reaches the 90 vertical position, and a pin or screw 91 is secured adjacent the foot end of the table in such position as to bring about the desired operating contact with switch 92 as shown in Fig. 4.

The above motions of the table are smooth and easily controlled, and the table may be quickly and readily adjusted to any desired angular position or series of angular positions in accordance with the desires of the examining physician. When the table axis 45 is selected to coincide with the center of gravity of the table, as described, the tilting movement requires substantially no more force than is needed to raise the weight of the table through the required vertical distance for the pivot axis, and it is unnecessary to use counterweights such as are conventionally employed in tiltable X-ray tables mounted for movement about a stationary pivot positioned closer to the foot end of the table than is the case with the present invention. This in turn provides for substantial lightening of the table and thus permits the use of a simpler and stronger frame without increasing the overall weight of the table. Figs. 1, '7 and 8 illustrate details of this frame construction and show also one example of the improved and simple means for mounting attachments for the table top, such as a head or foot rest, in accordance with the invention.

The main frame for the table includes the side bars 43, to which the pivotal studs 42 are secured, and a second pair of side bars I Hil which are connected with and spaced above the bars 43 to leave an opening IEII just below the table top in which a bucky and cassette carriage may be mounted for p the usual movement longitudinally of the table for use in radiography. Such a carriage is indicated generally by the reference character 99 in Fig. 1, and it will be noted that owing to the elimination of the counterweights which are provided at the foot end of a conventional tiltable table, the opening IilI extends from the foot end substantially the entire length of the table, thus permitting the bucky to travel as close as to within 3 inches of the foot end of the table.

An angle iron m2 is bolted or otherwise secured to each bar I00, and includes a downwardly depending flange portion I83 spaced from bar I86. The upper surfaces of angle irons I02 support Bakelite top 26 which may be bolted or otherwise secured thereto as shown. The outer sides of angle irons I02 are provided with a series of spaced holes I05, and Figs. 1 and 8 illustrate the use of these holes in mounting an attachment for the table top. Fig. 1 shows at III] a clamp device for the head of a patient, and Fig. 8 shows fragmentarily at II I the outer ends of the bracket member which carries this head clamp. Each of these bracket ends in turn has bolted or otherwise secured thereto an angled strap member i I2 adapted to overlap the sides of the table and provided with a suitable pad H3 of felt or the like to prevent injury to the Bakelite surface. One of strap members H2 is also provided with an inwardly projecting stud H4 which is adapted to engage 8 in one of holes I05 as shown in Fig. 8. The strap member H2 at the other end of bracket III .is provided with a thumb screw H5 threadedly mounted in a suitable boss I IS on the strap memher and similarly adapted to engage in a hole I95 of the strap I92 on that side of the table.

With this construction, the bracket may readily and quickly be attached in position on the table by hooking the stud I I4 in the proper hole I65 at the front side of the table, bringing the bracket down into position on the table top, and then looking it into position by screwing the thumb screw H5 inwardly until it is completely engaged in the opposite hole I05 on the back side of the table. The attachment may be removed with equal ease by backing ofi the thumb screw I I5 and then lifting that end of the bracket suificiently to permit disengagement of stud I I4 from its hole I05. It will be seen that by means of this construction the top surface of the table is kept completely smooth and free from any irregularities such as might scratch or injure the clothing or skin of a patient, particularly while getting on or off the table, while at the same time the attachments may be quickly and readily mounted in position whenever and wherever needed. The device illustrated in Fig. 8 is satisfactory for attachments such as head clamp or foot rest which includes a rigid bracket extending completely across the table. Figs. 9 to 11 illustrate another type of mount ing bracket useful in connection with attachments such as a compression band wherein the two ends of the device are not rigidly interconnected or where it is desired to make an attachment to one side only of the table. In this construction, each end I28 of the attachment is provided with an angled strap I2I generally similar in cross-section to the straps I I2 but including a channeled flange I22 adapted to overlap and hook under the dowm wardly projecting flange IE3 on angles I02. The outer surface of strap I2I carries a pair of brackets or ears I23 which provide a pivotal mounting for a hook I25 having an adjusting screw I26 threaded therein as shown in Fig. 11. A pair of screws I2'I, one on each side of hook I25, engage in slots I28 in brackets I23 as shown. With this construction the attachment may be secured to the table by simply hooking the channeled flange I22 under the flange I03 on angle I82. Hook I25 is then swung up until its hook portion is similarly engaged with flange I03, and the screw I26'is tightened to lock against the outer surface of flange I82. To remove the attachment, it is merely necessary to unscrew the adjusting screw I26, which permits the hook I25 to slide inwardly the length of slots I28 and thus to drop away from its hooked position. Thereafter the strap I2I may be readily unhooked from flange I83 and removed from the table. This type of attaching device is useful for an attachment such as a compression band, wherein two brackets are provided on opposite sides of the table and a cloth band'is stretched therebetween. V

The present invention accordingly provides an X-ray table having a variety of structural and operational advantages. The table is mounted for tilting movement in either direction from the horizontal about a single pivotal axis and is capable of tilting both to a vertical position and to a 40 Trendelenburg position without changing the height of the table from the floor from a height found satisfactory for purposes of general examination. The tilting movement is accomplished smoothly and easily by means of a moits foot end. is closely adjacent a fixed. object.

9 tor, and controlsfor this. movement .are provided at convenientlocations for the examining physician. Thev construction of the table as described and illustrated also provides for increasing. the

useful area of thetable top without increasing the -overall dimensions or the floor area occupied by the table, and it also permits the use of stronger materials fOr the frame of the table without an overall-increase in weight. This frame construction in turn. provides. for the use of attachments for the table top which are secured to the frame instead of tothe table. top and so 'aflords great strength and rigidity without encroaching. on the working area of the. table top. The: increased length of the table also provides adequate leg room for a patient to permit .examination of the entire body without change of position.

The table of the present invention offers special advantages for use where floor spaceis at a premium, as for example in a doctor's ofiice. When the table is used in the vertical position, the patient stands before the table top, and the examiningphysician must be substantially in line with the patient. and table, thus requiring a considerable amount of floor space. With the present invention, as is clearly shown in Fig. 5, when the table is moved to the vertical position, there is substantial clearance between. the vertical plane 1 occupied. by its top and the corresponding parallel'. plane occupied by its. foot end when in the horizontal position. In Fig. 5 this clearance is represented by the horizontal distance between the vertical line AB and the point B at the foot end 23 of the table. in the horizontal position. It will accordingly be seen that the present invention reducesv substantially to a minimum the over-all; space requirements for effective operation of the. table and permits its use even in a relatively small space such. that when horizontal wall or other While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be. understood that the invention is i notlimited to this precise form of apparatus, and i-that changes may be" made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which i's-defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

L'X-ray apparatus comprising, in combina- .tion, a table for receiving the patient thereon,

a supporting base for said ta-bl'e, means for pivotingsaid table about a transverse axis, means carried by said base providing a mounting for said pivot means movable with. respect to said basein a substantially vertical plane, means carried by said base for supporting said table on an axis parallel to and spaced laterally from and below said pivotal axis, and means for causing a relative shifting of said supporting axis with respect .to said table along a curved line including a. segment of a, circle having its center spaced from said pivotal axis to cause said pivot means to reciprocate and said table to tilt longitudinally about said pivotal axis.

2.. X-ray apparatus. comprising, in. combination, a, table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means for pivot- .ing said table. aboutatransverseaxis, means carried. by said. base. providing a mounting for said pivot means movable with respectto said base in a. substantially vertical plane substantially parallel. to thewidth of said table, means carried by said base for supporting said table on an axis spaced laterally from and below said pivotal axis. and means for causing a relative shifting of said supporting axis with respect to said table along a curved line including two segments of circles having their centers spaced longitudinally of said table on either side of said pivotal axis and lying in a plane between said segments and the top of said table and parallel to said table top, and including also a segment of a circle intermediate said first named. segments and curved in the opposite direction therefrom, said relative shifting causing said pivot means to move vertically-and said table to tilt'longitudinally about said pivotal axis.

3. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon; a supporting base for said table, means for pivoting said. table about a transverse axis, means carried by said base providing a mounting for said pivot means movable with respect to'sa'id base in a substantially vertical plane, a gear track secured to said table and including a segment of acircle having, its center spaced from said pivotal axis, a gear wheel rotatably supported" by said base and meshing. with said gear track, and means for rotating said gear wheel to cause said pivotmeans to move vertically and said table-to tilt longitudinally about said pivotal axis.

4. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means for pivoting said table about a transverse axis, means carried by said base providing a mounting for said pivot means movable vertically with respect-to said base, gear tracks secured to each side oftsa'id table and having gear teeth along the lower edges thereof, each of said tracks including. twosegments of circles having their centers; "spaced longitudinally of said table on either side of said pivotal axis and lying in a plane between said track and the top of said table and parallel to said table top, each of said tracks also including a segment of a circle intermediate said @first named segments and having its center positioned on the opposite side of said track from the centers of said first named segments, eachy'of said gear tracks meshing with a gear wheel rotatably supported by said base, motor means operatively connected with said gear wheels for rotation thereof in either directionv to cause said table to tilt about said pivotal axis and said pivot means to move vertically, and means for maintaining engagement between each of said gear wheels and each of said gear tracks and comprising a roller engaging the upper edge of each of said tracks and rotatably' carried by the outer end of a crank arm having its inner end mounted for rotation coaxially with said gear wheels.

5. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon; a supporting base for said table, pivot means forming a transverse tilting axisfor said table located intermediate the ends thereof, means supporting said pivot means on said base for movement in' an upwardly directed path with respect to said base, and cooperating drive means carried by said base and said table for eiiecting movement. of? said table about an axis eccentric with. respect 'to "said tilting axis and. parellel thereto to cause tilting: movement of said table about said tilting xis and simultaneous movement of said tilting axis along said upwardly directed path.

6. An adjustable -X-ray table comprising. a

-base, a table structure adapted to be mounted 11 I on said base, means forming a pivot for said table located at an intermediate point lengthwise of said table, means on said base for supporting and guiding said pivot in a predetermined upward path of movement, and additional means on said base connected to said table along a curved are having a center spaced from the axis of said pivot for concurrently rocking said table about said pivot and shifting said pivot along said path.

7. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means carried by said base for supporting said table for tilting movement about a transverse axis movable with respect to said base, means for tilting said table about said axis from a substantially horizontal position, means cooperating with said supporting means to locate said table with the top thereof at a predetermined working height above the floor and with said axis at its lowermost position in said horizontal position of said table, and means responsive to operation of said tilting means for effecting raising of said axis simultaneously with tilting movement of said table away from the horizontal about said axis to provide additional clearance between the downwardly tilted end of said table and the floor in the resulting tilted position of said table.

8. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means carried by said basefor supporting said table for tilting movement about a transverse axis, cooperating means carried by said base and said table for tilting said table in both forward and backward directions about said axis from the horizontal, said tilting means including means for automatically raising said axis with respect to said base simultaneously with tilting movement of said table away from the horizontal in either of said directions and automatically lowering said axis simultaneously with tilting movement of said table towards the horizontal, and means automatically stopping motion of said table in horizontal position and at predetermined limits of tilting movement.

9. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means forming a pivot for said table having the axis thereof transverse of said table, supporting members for said pivot means at either side of said table,means supporting said supporting members for movement in a substantially vertical plane with respect to said base to maintain said axis in substantially constant relation with said base longitudinally of said table, means for locating said table in horizontal position in response to movement of said pivot means to the lowermost position thereof, and means for causing said pivot means to travel verticall and simultaneously causing said table to tilt about said axis from said horizontal position.

10. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means forming a pivot for said table having the aXis thereof transverse of said table, means movable with respect to said base for gu ding said pivot means for movement in a path directed upwardly with respect to said base, means on said base for supportin said table independently of said pivot means, and means cooperating with said supporting means to cause tilting movement of said table and simultaneous upward movement of said pivot means as said table tilts away from a horizontal position and downward movement of said pivot means as said table tilts towards a horizontal position.

11. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means forming a pivot for said table having its axis transverse of said table, means movable with respect to said base for guiding said pivot means in a path directed upwardly with respect to said base, cooperating means on said base and said table for supporting said table independently of said pivot means, and means for efiecting relative movement of said cooperating means in an are having a center spaced from the axis of said pivot means to eiiect simultaneous tilting movement of said table about said pivot means and linear movement of said pivot means along said path.

12. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means for pivoting said table about a transverse axis, means carried by said base providing a mounting for said pivot, means movable vertically with respect to said base to raise and lower said axis, and means for applying a torque to said table at a point spaced below the lowest position of said pivot means to cause vertical movement of said pivot means and simultaneous tilting movement of said table about said axis.

l3. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means providing a pivotal mounting for said table, means supporting said pivot means on said base for upwardly directedmo'vement with respect to said base, means for imparting upward movement to said pivot means to raise and lower said pivot and table, tracks carriedby said table at positions spaced from said pivot means, and means for causin said tracks to pass through a predetermined position fixedwith relation to said base as said pivot means moves up and down to effect tilting of said table about said pivotal mounting simultaneously with said movement of said pivot means.

14, X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means providing a pivotal mounting for said table, means supporting said pivot means on said base for movement in an upwardly directed path with respect to said base and constructed to position said pivot means at a reference position with respect to said base when said table is horizontal, drive means carried by said base, and means operatively conneoting said drive means with said table at a position spaced from the axis of said pivotal mounting for causing said table to tilt about said pivotal mounting and simultaneously causing said pivot means to travel in said upwardly directed path to provide additional clearance below the downwardly tilted end of said table in the resulting tilted position of said table.

15. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means for pivoting said table about a transverse axis, means carried by said base providing a mounting for said pivot means movable vertically with respect to said base, means for applying a torque to said table at points spaced below the lowest position of said pivot means to cause said pivot means to move vertically and said table to tilt about said axis, said torque-applying means being con: structed to apply torque selectiveiy either direction to the table, and switch means for controlling said torque he; means po itioned to cooperate m said table 1r automa" torquc-appl l means when said ta zontal and wh 1 r. reaches mined limits of tilting motion in each directioi from the it :izontal,

16. X-ray apparatus con m ng, in combina tion, a table for receiving the patient thereon, a base for said table, pivot means supporting said table for tilting movement about a horizontal transverse axis located ediate the ends of said table and spaced from end thereof by a distance greater than the he nt of said table from the floor when in horizontal position, means for supporting said pivot means for upwardly directed mc-velient with respect to said base, means for locating aid table in horisontal position in response to movement of vot means to its lowermost posion. v g means carried by said table and said my tilting said table about said and simultaneously raising said pivot means to provide clearaice between the floor and the lower end of table in tilted position in accordance with the angle of tilt thereof, and means for selectively operating said cooperating means to cause said table to tilt forwardly or rearwardly from the horizontal during upward movement of said pivot means,

17. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, atable for receiving 13.15 patient thereon, a base for said guide means, means sup-- porting said guide means on said base for upwardly directed movement with respect to said base, means supporting said table on said guide means for tilting movement about a horizontal axis located intermediate the ends of said table and spaced from each end thereof by a distance greater than the height of said. table from the floor when in horizontal position, a plurality of gear sectors secured to said table and formin a continuous curvilinear gear track, and means coaxial with said driving gear for maintaining said gear and said gear track in positive engagement to cause simultaneous tilting of said table about said axis and movement of said guide means with respect to said base sufficient to provide clearance between the floor and the lower end of said table in tilted position in accordance with the angle of tilt thereof.

18. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a table havi g a top for receiving the patient thereon, a base for supporting 5 id table on the floor, means forming a pivotal mounting for said table, means supporting said pivot means on said base for upwardly directed movement with respect to said base, means for positioning said pivot means at a reference position with respect to said base when said table top is horizontal, the axis of said pivot being intermediate the ends of said table and spaced from the head end thereof by a distance greater than the height of said table top from the floor when said table is horizontal, cooperating drive means on said base and said table for causing said table top to tilt to a Trendelenburg position with said head end thereof lowermost, and means responsive to operation of said drive means for simultaneously causing said pivot means to travel in said upwardly directed path above said reference position to provide clearance for receiving the head end of said table above the floor through a wide angular range of Trendelenburg positions.

19. X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a tiltable table having a top for receiving the patient thereon, a supporting base for said table, means forming a pivot for said table having the axis thereof transverse of said table, movable means supporting said pivot means for movement in a path directed upwardly with respect to said base, means for locating said table in horizontal position in response to movement r of said pivot means to the lowermost position thereof, the axis of said pivot being intermediate the ends of said table and spaced from each end thereof by a distance greater than the height of said table top from the iioor when said table is horizontal, drive means for causing said pivot means to travel upwardly from saidlowermost position thereof to provide clearance for receiving the lower end of said table above the floor through a wide angular range of tilted positions, and cooperating means on said base and said table responsive to operation of said drive means for causing said table to tilt about said pivot axis simultaneously with said travel of said pivot means.

FRANKLIN A. PITTS.

WALTER H. HAUPT.

REFERENCES arisen The following references are of record in the file or" this patent:

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